On the third anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, Thursday, 10/29, Staten Islanders are invited to “Light the Shore” beginning with a “resiliency walk” at 6:30 at the Dolphin Fountain in remembrance of those who were lost.  The walk continues to Midland Beach Picnic Grounds on Capodanno Blvd. between Midland and Lincoln Avenues where a Service of Remembrance will be held.  A tribute created by Scott LoBaido—“Empty Chairs”, will be featured during the ceremony.  The names of the 24 Staten Islanders who perished will be read.  A candlelight vigil will be held at the Oasis Christian Center, 539 Greeley Ave. at 7:30.  The New Dorp Beach Civic Association will also sponsor a candle light walk to New Dorp Beach at 7 p.m. at Cedar Grove Ave. at the Memorial Rock. 

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2016: Homeowner’s Net Worth Will Be 45x Greater Than a Renter | Keeping Current Matters  

Every three years the Federal Reserve conducts a Survey of Consumer Finances in which they collect data across all economic and social groups. The latest survey, which includes data from 2010-2013, reports that a homeowner’s net worth is 36 times greater than that of a renter ($194,500 vs. $5,400).

In a recent Forbes article the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Chief EconomistLawrence Yun predicts that in 2016 the net worth gap will widen even further to 45 times greater.

The graph below demonstrates the results of the last two Federal Reserve studies and Yun’s prediction:

Put Your Housing Cost to Work For You

Simply put, homeownership is a form of ‘forced savings’. Every time you pay your mortgage you are contributing to 

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  This year for Halloween, Burger King released a special limited time remix of their most famous burger.    It's called the Halloween Whopper. The only difference between this Whopper and a classic one is that this one has pure black buns! While it may look absolutely terrifying to some - burger king claims that the bun is black because it's baked with A1 steak sauce cooked right into it. Supposedly this bun is packed with flavor and gives the Whopper an extra zing!   What do you think? Tell us in the comments below how you feel about this limited edition Burger King Burger!  

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The Difference an Hour Can Make [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters
Every Hour In The US Housing Market:

  • 634 homes sell.
  • 347 homes regain positive equity.
  • Median home values go up $1.46.

Thanks to our wonderful friends at KCM (KeepingCurrentMatters.com) for the amazing info-graphic! .

If you're curious about your home's market value, use our free Comparative Market Analysis tool! You'll get an instant home evaluation and even a free in-person assessment provided by one of our agents at your leisure.

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Recently, the DIY and crafting guru (sayyes.com) posted a blog with step by step instructions on how to make this absolutely adorable critters who are more delicious than they are demons! 

Candy Aisle Crafts - Monster S'mores

  Supplies

• parchment paper
• assorted flat cookies (such as honey or chocolate graham crackers, Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafers, and tea biscuits)
• thin flat chocolate bars (such as Hershey’s)
• scissors
• regular and mini marshmallows
• toothpick
• regular and mini chocolate chips

Instructions
1. Preheat the broiler.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the cookies on the baking sheet and put a piece of the chocolate bar on top of each one.
3. To make the eyes, cut mini or regular marshmallows in half horizontally. Arrange the halves on top…

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Home Equity: You May Have More Than You Think | Keeping Current Matters  

CoreLogic recently released their 2015 2nd Quarter Equity Report which revealed that 759,000 properties had regained equity in the last quarter. That means that 91% of allmortgaged properties (approximately 45.9 million) are now in a positive equity position. Anand Nallathambi, president and CEO of CoreLogic, reported:

“For much of the country, the negative equity epidemic is lifting. The biggest reason for this improvement has been the relentless rise in home prices over the past three years which reflects increasing money flows into housing and a lack of housing stock in many markets.”

Obviously, this is great news for the financial situation of many homeowners.

But, do they realize their equity position has changed?

A recent…

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How Much Must You Trust Your Listing Agent? | Keeping Current Matters

 

You and your family have decided to sell your house. It is now time to choose a real estate professional to help with the process. One of the major attributes this agent must possess is trustworthiness. To what degree do you need to trust them?

You must have enough trust in them that you feel comfortable they will accomplish all four things below:

1. Sell possibly the largest asset your family owns

In many cases, a home is the largest asset a family has. Studies have shown that the equity many families have in their home is the largest percentage of that family’s overall wealth.

2. Set the correct market value on that asset

Pricing is crucial even in the best of markets. You want to get the best price for your home without putting…

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The Mount Loretto Fall Festival wants all you foodies out there to come celebrate fall with them today October 24th and tommorrow October 25th from noon to 5 p.m.

While there will be all sorts of different fall related activities to enjoy, perhaps the most anticipated is the arrival of Food Network Star and Eltingville native Dom Tesoriero! His food truck called "Mac Truck" will be serving it's incredible mac 'n' cheese recipes all day the 24th and 25th!

The festival will be held at Mount Loretto and admission to the event is free for everyone of all ages! For more information, text the word "FALL" to 82257, or call 718-490-5023.  

[photocred: google image search]

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4 Reasons to Buy BEFORE Winter Hits | Keeping Current Matters   It's that time of the year; the seasons are changing and with them bring thoughts of the upcoming holidays, family get-togethers, and planning for a new year. Those who are on the fence about whether now is the right time to buy don't have to look much further to find four great reasons to consider buying a home now instead of waiting.   

1. Prices Will Continue to Rise

The Home Price Expectation Survey polls a distinguished panel of over 100 economists, investment strategists, and housing market analysts. Their most recent report released recently projects appreciation in home values over the next five years to be between 10.5% (most pessimistic) and 25.5% (most optimistic).

The bottom in home prices has come and gone. Home values…

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NYC Arts Cypher will be hosting their fifth annual haunted house this year!

Starting on Friday, October 23rd, the NYC Arts Cypher building will be transformed into two stories of pure madness! Actors play zombies, and there are chills and thrills at every turn!

The times you can visit the haunted mansion will be October 23-24 from 7:30-11:30 p.m.; October 25 from 6:30-10:30 p.m.; and October 29-31 from 7:30-11:30 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under and students with an ID. 

There will also be a Halloween party at the Cypher on November 1st. It's $40 to enter and there will be catered food and drink all night. 

[photocred: nycartscypher]

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